Comment by oritron
I think some simple MPPT circuitry would be a smart investment for this, rather than a fixed resistance connected directly to a solar panel.
I think some simple MPPT circuitry would be a smart investment for this, rather than a fixed resistance connected directly to a solar panel.
Can't you do it inductorlessly if the load is a heater, and you can freely choose the resistance, just by PWMing the element from a capacitor?
If so that's probably like a $3 board in quantity, which could also give you the option to use a USB-C solar panel, which is probably the most versatile and convenient for a lot of people, with LEDs to indicate power and help you aim.
It would go against the low tech concept, but if I was going to build something like this I would probably go for MPPT
It's from Low Tech Magazine. A low tech solution is not surprising. Chasing 20 or 30% solar generation efficiency gains isn't really something all that relevant when you're building an oven that you're going to leave switched on all the time whether you're cooking or not.